Contraception

Choosing the Right Contraception for You

No matter what stage of life you’re at, and don’t want to fall pregnant, it is important to consider what contraception method is right for you. There are several methods of contraception that we offer here at our practice ranging from temporary daily contraception options to long-term permanent contraception. We understand how personal and individualised this decision is, so we’ve tried to make it easier for you by discussing each method below.

Permanent Contraception Options

Tubal Ligation

Tubal ligation, known as “having your tubes tied” involves having a clip placed on each tube under general anaesthetic using a laparoscopic procedure. Tubal ligation can be reversed, but this is not always successful.

How it works:

These days tubal ligation is a much less invasive procedure, taking about 30 minutes in hospital. Your surgeon will give you a general anaesthetic, then using a laproscope, she will pinch the tubes closed with an elastic band or metal clip. (You can also choose to have your tubes cauterised or cut and stitched closed)

New surgery techniques can contain the incision to one cut within the navel, see here for more details

Effectiveness:

This method is more than 99% effective, but there is a very small chance of the tubes getting unblocked which could mean pregnancy and sometimes an ectopic pregnancy where a pregnancy develops in the fallopian tubes rather than in the uterus.

Associated risks:

There are small risks of injury to blood vessels, the ureters or the bowel. There is also the rare chance of infection, inflammation and pain caused by the clip used in the procedure.

How much does it cost?

Our staff will provide you with a quote for surgery.

Locations?

Tubal Ligation surgery is performed at Everton Park (North West Private Hospital), Caboolture (Caboolture Private Hospital) and North Lakes (North Lakes Day Hospital)

Temporary Contraception Options

Mirena® is a small, hormone-releasing, T-shaped device that is placed into the uterus by your Northside Gynaecology provider during a routine visit to provide continuous highly effective birth control. Like the contraceptive pill and Implanon®, Mirena® can be used to treat excessive menstrual bleeding or protect against endometrial hyperplasia.

How it works:

The intra-uterine device (IUD) continuously releases a small amount of the hormone progestogen for up to five years to prevent pregnancy by changing your cervical lining and preventing fertilisation and implantation.

Fertility returns very quickly upon removal.

Effectiveness:

Over 99% effective and doesn’t rely on you, considered one of the most effective birth control methods.

Associated risks:

In rare cases, women may experience an unexpected expulsion of the device.

How much does it cost?

The Mirena® is purchased with a script from the pharmacy. We will then advise you of the cost for coming in and having the Mirena placed.

Implanon® is a small, flexible plastic rod containing progestogen that can be inserted by your GP just under the skin on the inside of your upper arm. It contains enough contraceptive hormone for up to three years, after which it must be removed and if desired, replaced.

How it works:

Similarly to Mirena, Implanon® continuously releases a small amount of the hormone progestogen, which thickens the cervical lining to prevent pregnancy. Returning to pre-existing fertility usually occurs within the first cycle after removing the implant.

Effectiveness:

The implant is the most effective contraceptive option available – it’s even more effective than permanent contraception such as vasectomies, female tubal occlusions and ligations.

Associated risks:

Some women may experience acne, breast tenderness and mood changes.

How much does it cost?

Implanon® costs between $5 – $25 every three years plus the cost of insertion by your GP.

How much does it cost?

The combined contraceptive pill, usually just referred to as the pill, contains synthetic versions of female hormones oestrogen and progesterone, which women produce naturally in their ovaries. It is usually taken to prevent pregnancy, but can also be used to treat painful periods, heavy periods, premenstrual syndrome and endometriosis.

How it works:

The two hormones in the pill prevent the release of an egg, change the lining of the uterus and prevent sperm entering by thickening the lining of the entrance of the cervix.

Effectiveness:

With perfect use the pill is 99.7% effective, but the reliability of the pill may be reduced if taken more than 12 hours late or in combination with antibiotics.

Associated risks:

A small risk of clotting, heart attack and stroke. Smokers over the age of 35 should not use the pill as their risk of heart attack and blood clots in their legs and lungs is greater.